Mr Annan died this morning (Saturday, August 18). He was 80.

Mr Annan served with distinction during his two-term tenure from 1997 to 2006 and was the epitome of a dedicated and committed international civil servant. 

He was the second person from Africa and the first black African to hold this high office, but he also stood out in several other ways as leader of the world body.

Amongst his most significant pursuits was his persistent call for Governments to be held accountable for the treatment of their people. 

The former UN Secretary General was also an architect of the Millennium Development Goals which, for the first time, set global targets on issues such as poverty and child mortality. These and other humanitarian accomplishments earned him the Nobel Peace Prize jointly with the UN in 2001. 

The Government and people of Jamaica join me in extending sincerest condolences to his family and his homeland Ghana, in this time of deep mourning.

IMeanwhile, Opposition Leader Dr Peter Phillips says the world has lost one of the defining figures of the international community of modern time in the death of former Secretary General of the United Nations (UN) Kofi Annan.

Mr Annan exemplified the quiet dignity and intellectual strength that defined and fueled global changes and brought a new level of understanding to international relations.

Mr Annan, a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, played a pivotal role in addressing crises which have shaped the world, from the HIV/Aids pandemic, to the Iraq War and, latterly, climate change.

The Opposition Leader said that Mr Annan’s famous quote "suffering anywhere concerns people everywhere" speaks volumes to the heart and soul of late world leader.

He was the first black African to head the United Nations and was one of the most enduring and recognised diplomats in modern history.

“He was Secretary General of the UN for ten years and still today, he is one of the best known and more effective Secretaries General of our time.” Dr Phillips said.

Mr Annan was a friend of Jamaica who visited the island on many occasions. He was the consummate diplomat and a man who was committed to programmes that sought to improve the lives of vulnerable and oppressed people globally.

“On behalf of myself and the entire People’s National Party, I extend condolences to Mr Annan’s family, colleagues and join with the rest of the world in mourning the loss of a great man.” Dr Phillips said.

  
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